This festival dedicated to classical music will take place from July 21 to August 9, 2026. Concerts will take place in the cloister of the Cimiez monastery as well as in the auditorium of the Matisse Museum. This year, the theme is inspired by the world of Yves Saint Laurent.
The Nice Classic Festival is organizing its 9th edition in 2026. According to Marie-Josèphe Jude, “in Cimiez in this place where history, light and beauty meet, music becomes more than an art of time: it is undoubtedly here that music and the universe of Yves Saint Laurent meet most aptly: in this rare capacity to honor the past without ever renouncing the creation of the future.”
Beyond this assumed elegance, the festival will also offer catering as well as a carpooling service via a partner application, integrated into the ticketing system. It is also important to note that the concerts of young talents from the academy will be broadcast live on YouTube every Friday at 2 p.m.
The Nice Classic Festival programming: highlights
Sunday, June 21 at 4 p.m.: the opening concert
The festival opens in the intimate setting of the Matisse museum with a program under the sign of French elegance. An opening that sets the tone for this 9th edition, between refinement, clarity and modernity of the French repertoire.
Wednesday, July 22 at 8 p.m.: an evening with George Sand
Texts and music echo each other in an evening dedicated to George Sand, a literary figure at the heart of many artistic exchanges. Schumann and the composers of his circle find an ideal setting here, in the unique atmosphere of the cloister.
Thursday, July 23, Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, August 6 at noon: midday concerts at Matisse
These small ensemble meetings exploit the warm acoustics of the Matisse Museum. Designed for a maximum of two or three musicians, they offer refined programs, often focused on French music or rare chamber works.
Fridays, July 24, 31 and August 7 at 2 p.m.: young academy talents live on Youtube
International students from the Academy perform live, allowing distant families to follow their performances. A privileged moment to discover a new generation of musicians at an already very advanced level.
Saturday, July 25, Saturday, August 1 and 8 at 6 p.m.: concerts by students from Nice’s international summer academy
Each Saturday, students take the stage in professional conditions, before a loyal audience. These concerts reveal the diversity of backgrounds and excellence of young performers from around the world.
Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m.: Nice Philharmonic Orchestra
A major event: the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra presents a program specially designed for the festival. A much-anticipated orchestral evening, at the heart of the cloister, which continues the dialogue between French repertoire, romanticism and modernity.
Saturday, August 1 at 3:30 p.m.: dance performance
The Academy dancers present the results of their intensive training. A performance that is always highly appreciated, revealing the commitment and energy of young artists in training.
Sunday, August 9 at 8 p.m.: closing concert, jazz
The festival closes with a jazz evening led by Pierre Bertrand and his guests. A festive and open finale, true to the spirit of the Nice Classic Festival, which blends improvisation, freedom and musical elegance.
By bringing together music, heritage and elegance, this 9th edition asserts more than ever the link between musical creation and fashion design. As Marie-Josèphe Jude recalls, “ in haute couture, there is a genuine search for harmony and perfection. There is something here that connects, in a certain way, the work of the performer and that of the composer.” A way of emphasizing that, on the heights of Cimiez, the Nice Classic Festival continues to celebrate art in all its forms.
